Director of Federal Projects

Federal Director Of Projects

The Federal Director of Projects is responsible for overseeing and managing complex architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects for federal government clients, including military installations. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on project oversight, ensuring compliance with federal standards, client satisfaction, and efficient delivery of projects. The Director will supervise multidisciplinary design and construction teams, coordinate with stakeholders, and maintain accountability for budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Division Oversight

• Organize, plan, and manage daily operations of the project division.
• Provide supervision and guidance to project managers and staff to ensure successful project delivery.
• Evaluate division performance and implement improvements.
• Foster employee-owner growth and development.
• Identify and foster professional development and training opportunities to strengthen team capabilities

Project Management

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of federal projects, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense and other applicable standards.
• Manage project budgets, milestones, and performance tracking.
• Lead proposal development, ensuring accurate budgets, schedules, and resource allocations to set projects up for success.
• Coordinate project documentation, including specifications, submittals, shop drawings, and as-built records.
• Lead project meetings and maintain strong client relationships to ensure satisfaction.
• Monitor client satisfaction with team performance and implement improvements as needed.

Construction Oversight

• Conduct site inspections and monitor contractor performance.
• Ensure adherence to quality control programs and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve progress payments, RFIs, and contract modifications.
• Facilitate design permits and compliance documentation.

Financial & Contractual Management

• Collaborate with finance to develop annual budgets, ensure project profitability and review monthly performance.
• Balance project profitability with overhead investments in business development, training, and operational expenses to maintain financial good standing for the division.
• Sign and assume professional liability for contracts, ensuring risk management.
• Approve invoices and support finance with collections activities as needed.

Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure proper record-keeping of correspondence, payment requests, and project files.
• Provide clear reporting on division performance, including financial health, client satisfaction, and project outcomes.

Resource Planning

• Oversee resource planning to ensure appropriate staffing and support for incoming projects.
• TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS: 30-40% - Travel is driven by project needs, client engagement, and leadership oversight, with duration ranging from short site visits to multi-day trips aligned with major milestones.

Examples of job responsibilities are not intended to be all inclusive. TESSERE reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong leadership and managerial skills with experience in multi-disciplinary teams.

In-depth knowledge of building design, construction methods, and federal standards.

Strong understanding of Federal government project deliverables and requirements.

Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.

Physical ability to traverse construction sites and visually assess project progress.

An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Requirements

Education : Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.

Experience :

• Minimum 10 years in architecture/design or construction project management, including federal projects.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multiple projects.
• Licensure: U.S. state professional license or certification in architecture, civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
• Security Clearance: Required for access to military sites and records.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.